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 First Impression: Casino Royale
Date toured: December 2010
The 163-foot Christensen motoryacht Casino Royale was delivered in 2008 to well-known yachtsman John Staluppi, who has a history of naming his yachts after movies in the James Bond franchise. Staluppi kept the yacht for private use until selling it to the current owner in March 2009. Thus, the winter 2010-11 charter season in the Caribbean will be Casino Royale’s first—following a memorable showing at the December 2010 Antigua Charter Yacht Show.
Casino Royale turned heads at the show not just because of her weighty, elegant décor, but also because chef Tarina Shadgett won first prize in the show’s culinary competition, in the prestigious megayachts division. I enjoyed a fantastic luncheon onboard just a few days before she took home the honors, and she impressed everyone at the table with not just the taste of her cuisine, but also with her beautiful presentations on the plate.
The yacht itself is done with a nod to the “Casino Royale” movie. Interior details, for instance, include various images of Bond girls in backlit glass silhouette as well as in stylized artwork. All of the Bond movies are available on the yacht’s Kaleidescape entertainment system, which features more than 4,000 films in total. “The owner is a movie buff,” Capt. Gregory Clark told me, “so that system is always being upgraded.”
Guest accommodations include four cabins with king-size beds, and two cabins that each have a double plus a twin-size bed. An elevator services all decks, including the sundeck, and zero-speed stabilizers are among the amenities that should keep guests comfortable under way.
While the original owner is known for wanting his yachts to achieve top speeds, Casino Royale was built with a conventional propulsion system. “This boat is all about comfort,” Clark says. “It’s probably the most elegant boat he ever built.”
Casino Royale is part of the International Yacht Collection charter fleet. She takes 12 guests with 10 crew at a lowest weekly base rate of $250,000. Any reputable charter broker can tell you more or help you book a week onboard.—Kim Kavin
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Nicole Caulfield is licensed, bonded, and a longtime member of FYBA and AYCA. She brings a unique perspective as a broker, having worked aboard yachts for nearly 10 years. Email Nicole
Beverly Parsons has been chartering since 1969. She is a licensed, bonded broker and a founding member of the professional groups AYCA and CYBA International. Contact Beverly.
DJ Parker has been a leader in the charter industry since 1980. She is currently president of the American Yacht Charter Association. E-mail DJ
Sharon Bahmer is an expert at booking charters in the Americas, from Alaska to Brazil. She's also a member of FYBA and CYBA. E-mail Sharon
Trina Howes has 10 years of experience in the charter industry finding great pleasure in creating the best yachting vacations possible. E-mail Trina
Shannon Webster is a longtime AYCA member. She books yachts worldwide from 80 to 400 feet long. Email Shannon
